These classic Italian Sprinkle Cookies, known as “Biscotti di Natale,” are a festive staple for holiday gatherings. The dough is soft and tender, made with a blend of flour, shortening, and extracts for a delicate almond-lemon flavor profile. The key to these cookies is the quick dip in a simple milk and powdered sugar glaze while still warm, allowing the coating to adhere perfectly. Finished with a shower of colorful sprinkles, they offer a delightful contrast between the sweet, crunchy exterior and the soft, cake-like interior. Perfect for gifting or serving with coffee, these cookies bring a touch of homemade tradition to any table.
Italian Sprinkle Cookies
Description
These classic Italian Sprinkle Cookies, known as "Biscotti di Natale," are a festive staple for holiday gatherings. The dough is soft and tender, made with a blend of flour, shortening, and extracts for a delicate almond-lemon flavor profile. The key to these cookies is the quick dip in a simple milk and powdered sugar glaze while still warm, allowing the coating to adhere perfectly. Finished with a shower of colorful sprinkles, they offer a delightful contrast between the sweet, crunchy exterior and the soft, cake-like interior. Perfect for gifting or serving with coffee, these cookies bring a touch of homemade tradition to any table.Ingredients
Directions
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Preheat oven to 350F (175C).
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In a large bowl, beat eggs until light and foamy, about 5 minutes. Set aside.
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In another mixing bowl, stir together flour, confectioner's sugar, and baking powder.
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Gradually add melted shortening, lemon extract, almond extract, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients, mixing until a bead-like texture is formed.
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Gradually add the beaten eggs to the flour mixture, mixing until a stiff dough forms.
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Roll dough into 1-inch balls.
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Place balls on ungreased baking sheets, spacing them apart.
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Bake for 12 minutes, or until the bottoms are slightly browned (tops will not brown).
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While cookies bake, prepare the glaze by combining warmed milk and remaining extracts in a large bowl.
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Whisk in enough confectioner's sugar to create a smooth, thick glaze (approximately 1 cup, adjusting as needed).
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As soon as cookies are removed from the oven, quickly immerse two or three at a time into the glaze.
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Remove glazed cookies with a slotted spoon or fingers and place on a wire rack to drain.
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Immediately top with sprinkles before the glaze sets.
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Let cookies dry completely, about 24 hours, before storing.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 84
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 1788.9kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 19.5g30%
- Saturated Fat 5.5g28%
- Cholesterol 559.5mg187%
- Sodium 193.2mg9%
- Total Carbohydrate 349.6g117%
- Dietary Fiber 8.1g33%
- Sugars 122.5g
- Protein 49.5g99%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.